A FORMER Isle of Wight Salvation Army Corps sergeant major is in custody in the USA on charges of solicitation of a minor.

Roy Anthony Williams, 52, was known on the Island for organising the Salvation Army's Christmas dinners for several years, although the Isle of Wight branch said he left in June 2016.

The News-Herald, a newspaper covering Loudon County, Tennessee, reported that Mr Williams had admitted trying to persuade a 13-year-old girl to engage in acts that would constitute aggravated statutory rape.

He has been charged with pursuing a Lenoir City teenager for sex and has been detained on a $80,000 bond prior to sentencing on January 30.

Lenoir City police sergeant Lynette Ladd reported: "Williams did send (the girl) messages encouraging her to meet him and offering to go to her residence and pick her up.

"Williams texted (the girl's) phone asking, 'are you still OK about me taking ur virginity?'

"Williams also commented through (the girl's) phone, 'It's never been about sex. It's much more. I love you. I desire you'."

The report said the girl was invited to Williams' room at a local motel, which is where law enforcement found him, and Williams had sent text messages knowing the girl was under 18 years old.

A spokesperson from the Salvation Army said: "We confirm that Roy Williams was a soldier, a member of the Isle of Wight Corps.

"On August 3, 2017, as soon as we heard of the allegations made against him he was removed from membership of The Salvation Army.

"We are shocked and horrified at the behaviour which has led to him being charged and imprisoned in the USA. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those individuals affected by his actions.

"We would stress that we take the protection of children and vulnerable adults very seriously and The Salvation Army has robust safeguarding procedures in place."